Trent Robinson connection with NSW Swifts coach Briony Akle
Trent Robinson is known for his out-of-the-box thinking – but taking a training session for NSW Swifts coach Briony Akle was unexpected, even for the Roosters boss.
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Trent Robinson has revealed one of his biggest coaching secrets – going for regular coffee dates with NSW Swifts coach Briony Akle.
The powerhouse coaches, who led their teams to premierships last year, met six years ago at the Sydney Roosters headquarters.
Robinson was settling into his new job as the Chooks’ head coach and Akle was working in the club’s community team.
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“We’d always have great chats at work about coaching and life, and we’ve followed each other’s coaching journey ever since,” Akle said.
“We’re different sports, but sometimes you have the same problems within the clubs and with athletes, it’s good to have someone just to talk through issues.”
Robinson has always supported his “good friend” Akle in her coaching career and believes it can be helpful to bounce ideas off coaches working in other codes.
“Briony came to our Wests Tigers game last year and sat in the box. So we exchange ideas,” Robinson said.
“She went into coaching a few years after me and we talk a lot about coaching. It’s exciting how you can learn from some other sports.”
Last year, Akle coached the Swifts to a Super Netball championship and was named the competition’s coach of the year. She has also just been selected to coach Netball Australia’s formidable All Stars team that will play the Diamonds in next month’s bushfire charity match.
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Akle said she is lucky to have Robinson as a friend and mentor who she can turn to for advice.
“Trent’s Trent. He never changes. His humour is quite dry and he’ll have a laugh,” Akle said.
“He’s taught me about the importance of preparation, sticking to your values in the club and transferring that onto the court,”
“And what excellence is, they’re obviously going for their third NRL premiership in a row as a club. I have the same philosophy so it’s nice to feel you’re on the right track.”
Robinson ran a training session for the Swifts before Christmas and was blown away by the reigning Super Netball premiers.
“It was so good. She (Akle) wanted me to make them uncomfortable,” Robinson
“I did skills and fitness for about an hour and 20 minutes and challenged their decision making. They were great. Real athletes. Really good hand eye co-ordination. I was so impressed.”